Don`t Bow To The Troublemakers

October 10, 1985

``IF AT FIRST you don`t succeed, try, try again.`` That`s usually good advice, except when what you`re trying to do is clearly doomed to failure. Then, if at first you don`t succeed, it`s time to try another way.

Unfortunately, Lake Worth city commissioners are sticking to the tried-and- failed method of adopting an early-evening curfew in certain city recreational areas in an effort to curb rowdy nighttime activities by some teen-agers and young adults who are gathering to drink, use dope and raise trouble.

The problem first arose at Lake Worth beach, which commissioners closed last year at 9 p.m. to try to disperse a noisy crowd of troublemakers.

Undaunted by the beach closing, the beachgoers simply moved their activities to Bryant Park between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. So commissioners shut down the park at 9 p.m., too.

Guess what? The teen-agers simply found a new hangout, a sandy area beside a canal in the College Park neighborhood. You don`t even have to guess what commissioners consider a good solution.

The problem is common in many cities across the country. A small minority of people who insist on misbehaving spoil the fun for the majority, but good guys and bad guys alike are punished when public officials overreact by shutting down public facilities to all.

By their actions, the commissioners are using a shotgun to go after a mosquito.

There were no problems at the beach or at Bryant Park that strict enforcement of existing laws against underage alcohol consumption, public drunkenness, drug abuse, fighting, vandalism or disturbing the peace wouldn`t have cured.

The police argument -- that they don`t have enough officers to handle routine duties as well as provide extra patrols in areas like the beach and park -- isn`t acceptable.

If it takes more police officers to cope with a specific crime problem, commissioners and residents should be willing to supply them.

Regular arrests, convictions and jail terms should thin out the ranks of the troublemakers and send a message that can`t be ignored.